Travel Bulletin 14th January 2022

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January 14 2022 | ISSUE NO 4,189 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Giving agents the edge

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January 14 2022 | ISSUE NO 4,189 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Giving agents the edge

AGENT INSIGHT

AGENT BULLETIN

PUZZLE BULLETIN

Catherine Williams, Stow Travel, on how to capitalise on popular US bookings.

New incentives and training opportunities for agents.

Your chance to win a £20 M&S gift voucher by completing our Sudoku!

SPAIN AND ITS ISLANDS Help your clients make magical memories in the Med.

CARIBBEAN

Cover pic : Adobe Stock

Swap a chilly winter for white sand beaches!

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NEWS BULLETIN

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04

TRAVEL TRENDS HolidayPirates shares consumer insights for travel in 2022, including long-haul destination choices and the growing demand for travel to the USA.

NEWS All the latest updates from around the travel industry.

07 AGENT BULLETIN Win holidays to the Maldives, Dubai, Mauritius, and more!

08 BULLETIN BRIEFING ANTOR’s chairman, Tracey Poggio, on what destination partners are looking forward to in 2022.

09 PUZZLE BULLETIN Your chance to bag a £20 M&S gift voucher by completing our sudoku.

11 CARIBBEAN Top five tips to help agents sell Caribbean holidays, from Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Carol Hay.

The USA has emerged as a top hotspot for British tourists in 2022.

NEW CONSUMER insight from travel deals platform HolidayPirates reveals that long-haul destinations are dominating consumers’ wish lists, with the tropical beaches and clear waters of the Maldives and Thailand tantalising sun-starved Brits.

The survey also revealed that the USA, shut to Brits for much of last year, is the number one bucket list destination for holiday planners for 2022.

Traditionally a British favourite, Australia comes in as Britons’ third most indemand destination for 2022, but with strict restrictions still in place, forward planning remains difficult for travel to the far-flung country.

With different Covid-19 restrictions in place, the HolidayPirates data found that 37% of Brits went without any type of holiday at all last year, as opposed to less than a fifth in other markets.

Phil Salcedo, head of market for UK & North America at HolidayPirates, said: “Long-haul destinations were simply off the cards last year. Brits, in particular, have had a tougher time than most when it came to planning a sunny getaway.

When we’ve been so confined for so long, it is no surprise that we are desperate to get to destinations with radically different culture, climate and landscape.

“The diversity and culturally iconic status of the USA seemed a world away from our lives in our living rooms over the past two years, and many of us have taken the virtual journeys from Carrie Bradshaw’s New York to the raw nature of Badlands National Park in Nomadland and the Californian desert resort of Palm Springs. Now we want to see it for ourselves.”

Jackie Ennis, VP of Global Markets for Brand USA, said: "It's great to see that the USA remains the number one bucket list destination across the U.K... from our gateway cities to the great outdoors, we are immensely proud of the array of diverse experiences...”

17 SPAIN AND ITS ISLANDS The ultimate getaways, from Mallorca to Toledo.

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Industry insight by...

Tracey Poggio, chairman of ANTOR, reflects on 2021 and talks about what the tourism organisation and its members are looking forward to in the new year.

ANTOR MEMBERS remain upbeat for 2022, especially since the recent reduction in pre- and post-departure testing costs. Despite two years of extreme operating conditions, we’ve seen that consumer desire to travel has not diminished. The WHO has declared 2022 as the year we beat Covid, and as the world starts to push into recovery, our members will continue working hard to revitalise their destination brands in the minds of consumers. To keep the trade up-to-date with destination developments, we will be holding our annual ANTOR Meets the Travel Trade (AMTT) Live in London on June 8, open to all travel agents and tour operators. Following 2021's great success, we are taking

Destinations are gearing up to meet their commitments and over the coming months, ANTOR members will be sharing their sustainable credentials with answers ready...

AMTT on the road to Northern England, Scotland and Ireland on December 58, 2022.

We are all evolving from this crisis in a more meaningful way, addressing key issues for the future such as living and travelling in a more a sustainable way.

ANTOR as a body will help take this message to the trade, media and consumer to reinforce solid product knowledge and help facilitate increased confidence to travel.

Last month also saw some of our members on the road, at the December roadshow taking place in Manchester (December 6), Glasgow (December 7) and Belfast (December 8). As we learn to live and work in coexistence with the uncertainty of Covid, we are further challenged by the enormity of the climate agenda. There can be no denying that cuts to emissions will transform the way we live, travel and eat, if we are to meet the climate targets set by the recent COP26.

For a commercial sector that is often pegged as part of the problem, we must emphasise that this is also an industry that has been working on issues of sustainability for a lot longer than many other sectors. The airline industry, operators, cruise and hotel sectors are already racing along the path to carbon neutral practises.

What is unknown is how quickly the majority of consumers and individuals will engage on a level that will exacerbate behavioural change and help the world achieve carbon neutral more quickly.

Destinations are gearing up to meet their commitments and over the coming months, ANTOR members will be sharing their sustainable credentials with answers ready for those who ask how they can travel more sustainably.

It is encouraging that the industry is signalling a continued upward trajectory in sales with strong spring and summer seasons. The combination of increased consumer resilience and assessment of personal risk is seeing lockdown hesitancy shaken off with a more positive resolve.

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NEWS BULLETIN

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Guests can explore the Northern Lights with the New Year savings.

central islands, from £3,486 per person, down from £4,941 per person.

A 25% discount can be applied on select small group adventure trips only, departing between January 1 and May 31, 2022, including 'Best of Morocco', which comprises 15 days across the highlights of Morocco, including Casablanca and Marrakech. This option starts

from £679 per person, formerly £905 per person.

20% discounts are available on departures until December 14, 2022, including 'Northern Lights Escape', with six days exploring Iceland and its natural beauty from £1,200 per person, saving £300 per person.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays boost 2022 schedules JET2.COM AND Jet2holidays have responded to the rise in demand for summer 2022 flights and holidays, as customers look ahead to summer escapes. Capacity has been expanded to a range of popular destinations in Greece, Cyprus and Malta from Newcastle and Bristol airports.

Frequent flights have been added to Greece (Kefalonia, Zante, Corfu and Rhodes) and Cyprus (Larnaca) throughout the summer season, strengthening Jet2.com and Jet2holidays' offerings throughout the summer season.

The expansion follows the launch of a new route with Jet2.com to Malta from Bristol Airport, which can be packaged with accommodation with Jet2holidays.

www.intrepidtravel.com Image Credit: Adobe Stock

INTREPID TRAVEL is kicking off the New Year with discounts ranging up to 30% off trips. Available on bookings made until January 17, 2022, the discounts apply to a range of the operator's offerings.

From sampling sashimi in Japan to exploring the Moab via mountain bike, there is a host of savings to be had when booking 2022 holidays.

A 30% discount is available on selected trips departing January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022.

Packages that are applicable for the 30% saving include 'Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)', a 10-day sailing expedition that spotlights the expansive landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Galapagos'

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Ring in 2022 with Intrepid Travel’s New Year savings

Enjoy onboard credit with Fred.\ Holidays FRED.\ RAIL Journeys is offering $200 per person onboard credit for all 2022 and 2023 Golden Eagle Luxury Trans-Siberian Express departures when booked by January 31, 2022.

The 14-night route travels 6,000 miles aboard Golden Eagle's Trans-Siberian Express between Moscow and Vladivostok, via Mongolia. The journey ticks off less-visited regions of Russia. Highlights of the route include taking in some of Russia's most iconic sights, the nature of Siberia and traditional

Mongolian heritage. Onboard, passengers enjoy meals in restaurant cars and the Bar Lounge car, the train's social heart.

The US$200 credit can be used to purchase premium drinks and items from the gift shop.

The journey starts from £13,395 per person for the 14-night adventure, including the 12night train ride, and a night's five-star accommodation in both Moscow and Vladivostok. www.fredholidays.co.uk

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “With many customers missing out on holidays over the past two years, we are seeing strong demand for Summer 22, as more people look to book ahead and give themselves something to look forward to." www.jet2.com / www.jet2holidays.com

Peace of mind with Ras Al Khaimah’s Covid protection

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

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IN A global first, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has confirmed it will take complete care of travellers coming through a DMC or tour operator who test positive for Covid-19 upon departure.

Accommodation in a hotel room, medical treatments at RAK Hospital, and meals based on the initially booked meal plan will all be supplied if not covered by traveller insurance. The authority has also introduced cost-effective PCR testing for overnight guests from £13 at RAK Hospital. www.visitrasalkhaimah.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT

INSIGHT

CATHERINE WILLIAMS STOW TRAVEL I STILL find it hard to believe that the US borders have only been open a mere two months after a long 20 months of closure. As one of our biggest sellers, it really has been a huge blow to sales and, with prices for 2022 sky rocketing, it has been difficult to rebook cancelled trips.

After the borders first closed in March 2020, our first US traveller here at Stow Travel was actually in the following summer of 2021 – a client heading to Vegas for an operation. With the borders still closed, we nervously offered to help with the booking.

Hours were spent reading travel rules and changing cancelled flights, ending with a sleepless night as our client took off for Vegas via Cancun.

Our next client to travel to the USA departed a good few months later, a long 18 months after his original travel date with his departure making him the first bonafide member of our USA 3rd time lucky club!

We, as an agency, were so fortuitous to have a few weeks between the borders opening and our next clients travelling - it meant we could skip the absolute travel chaos we see when a country first opens up again! We closely monitored the situation while hearing the questions flood in – can you actually travel to the US with a lateral flow test?

Where can I find the Attestation form? Where can I get a lateral flow in New York? Thank goodness for the support network of travel agents and USA specialists on social media helping each other out.

As 2022 begins, at a time which used to be called “peaks”, our thoughts are now fully focused on all our clients eagerly awaiting their turn to head across the pond after moving their departure dates numerous times!

So, here at Stow Travel, it is onwards and upwards! We are thankful for the new bookings, mainly New York, Disney & Vegas which may even get to depart on their first attempt! I really do believe that we now have everything it takes to make 2022 a bumper year for USA travel!

WENDY WU Tours' New Year sale helps guests save up to £1,940 per person on worldwide holidays throughout 2022 or 2023. Japan tours include free return flights, saving up to £800 per person, partners fly free or solo fliers earn 50% off on all group tours, saving up to £565 per person, and solo travellers can earn a free single supplement saving up to £1,940 per person. www.wendywutours.co.uk

Princess Cruises sets sail on ‘The Real Holiday Sale’ KICKING OFF its new wave campaign, Princess Cruises has unveiled a whole host of discounted fares, with cruises starting from £489 per person with low deposits from £50 per person on all 2022-23 cruises.

The reduced fares are available until February 28, 2022, applying to over 1100 voyages spanning the cruise line's 2022 and 2023 cruising schedule.

Lead in prices start from £489 per person, or all-inclusive options with Princess Plus from £699 per person for a sevennight ‘Spain and France’ cruise aboard one of the line's newest ships, Sky Princess. This week-long cruise sails from Southampton on September 17, 2022.

Image Credit: Princess Cruises

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Guests can set sail on Sky Princess, one of the line’s newest ships, with the wave campaign sale.

Optional extras include the all-inclusive Princess Plus package from £30 per person per day. The upgrade offers a premium drinks package, unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi and crew appreciation for a combined value of £70 per day for those who pay individually for these benefits in advance of their cruise or onboard.

A host of other reduced fares and benefits are available. www.princess.com

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT TRAINING COMPLETE A short e-learning course from the Oman Tourist Board for the chance to win a trip for two to Oman, including return flights with Oman Air and eight nights’ accommodation in four- and five-star hotels. A runner up will win a Neal’s Yard Frankincense collection. Complete the e-learning to find out all Oman has to offer on the Travel Bulletin TravelGym at: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym PRINCESS CRUISES’ dedicated travel agent training platform hosts a wealth of information for agents, simplifying the booking process and showcasing all the cruise line has to offer. Key features include digestible academy training modules, the POLAR ONLINE booking system, a webchat for any and all queries, events, competitions, and exclusive incentives for members. www.onesourcecruises.com CONSTANTINOU BROS Hotel, in Paphos, Cyprus, welcomed a MEGA fam trip of 72 UK agents towards the end of 2021. Agents got a taste for the luxury accommodation on-property and took part in festive celebrations to see in the Christmas season.

PALLADIUM CONNECT has launched to recognise the loyalty of Palladium Hotel Group’s UK agent partners.

Agents are provided with all the tools to help understand and sell Palladium experiences and earn exclusive rewards.

Signing up earns agents a £50 bonus, recommending a friend and writing a hotel review earn a £5 bonus, and completing the e-learning earns a £10 bonus when using code ‘TB-UK’. www.palladiumconnect.co.uk

AGENT INCENTIVES ● UNTIL THE end of February 2022, agents can earn an automatic incentive of a £10 lifestyle voucher for every booking made with Titan Travel. As part of its turn of the year campaign, the escorted holiday and cruising specialist is offering instant payout on all incentives, with agents no longer required to claim trade bookings until February 28, 2022. Edwina Coppock, head of trade sales, commented: “We understand that agents have a lot to juggle at the beginning of each year, so we’ve decided to remove the requirement to claim for our exclusive trade incentive.

Every agent we work with is a highly valued member of our extended team.” www.titanagents.co.uk ● IN CELEBRATION of the launch of its biggest ever peaks campaign, Classic Collection Holidays has produced a comprehensive 24 page mini-brochure covering 48 exclusive offers from 10 UK airports in 12 destinations across the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Africa. Agents can earn between £20 and £400 in incentives per booking, and 10 lucky agents will win a luxury holiday for two to the operator’s most popular destinations. www.classic-collection.co.uk ● AS PART of its ‘Wish You Were Here’ campaign, agents can win one of 16 luxury stays with If Only... Agents must book as many nights as possible to be in with a chance, with prizes including stays in the Maldives, Dubai, Mauritius and a host of others. www.ifonly.net/agent-incentives ● AZAMARA IS doubling its agent incentives throughout January. Agents can earn up to £20 per sailing booked throughout the month, doubling the cruise line’s previous offer. All incentives will be paid on a pre-paid MasterCard.

The double incentive is only available within the existing Club Rewards programme, but remains at £20 per booking irrespective of Rewards membership class. The increased incentive is only available with the existing Club Rewards programme on bookings made between January 1 and January 31, 2022, inclusive on all sailings through April 3, 2023. www.clubazamara.co.uk

LEARN AND earn with Sandos Smart Agents. The new platform from Sandos Hotels & Resorts gives agents all they need to become certified Sandos specialists. After registering, members can take advantage of online training, a dedicated rewards system, learning modules, the best offers, and a go-to port of call for agent assistance if required. Agents can log bookings to earn free stays at the hotels. www.sandossmartagents.com

WEBINAR Register for our first webinar of 2022:

Luxury Holidays Virtual Showcase on January 17, 2022 For all webinars, visit http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/webinar

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Industry insight by...

Tracey Poggio, chairman of ANTOR, reflects on 2021 and talks about what the tourism organisation and its members are looking forward to in the new year.

ANTOR MEMBERS remain upbeat for 2022, especially since the recent reduction in pre- and post-departure testing costs. Despite two years of extreme operating conditions, we’ve seen that consumer desire to travel has not diminished. The WHO has declared 2022 as the year we beat Covid, and as the world starts to push into recovery, our members will continue working hard to revitalise their destination brands in the minds of consumers. To keep the trade up-to-date with destination developments, we will be holding our annual ANTOR Meets the Travel Trade (AMTT) Live in London on June 8, open to all travel agents and tour operators. Following 2021's great success, we are taking

Destinations are gearing up to meet their commitments and over the coming months, ANTOR members will be sharing their sustainable credentials with answers ready...

AMTT on the road to Northern England, Scotland and Ireland on December 58, 2022.

We are all evolving from this crisis in a more meaningful way, addressing key issues for the future such as living and travelling in a more a sustainable way.

ANTOR as a body will help take this message to the trade, media and consumer to reinforce solid product knowledge and help facilitate increased confidence to travel.

Last month also saw some of our members on the road, at the December roadshow taking place in Manchester (December 6), Glasgow (December 7) and Belfast (December 8). As we learn to live and work in coexistence with the uncertainty of Covid, we are further challenged by the enormity of the climate agenda. There can be no denying that cuts to emissions will transform the way we live, travel and eat, if we are to meet the climate targets set by the recent COP26.

For a commercial sector that is often pegged as part of the problem, we must emphasise that this is also an industry that has been working on issues of sustainability for a lot longer than many other sectors. The airline industry, operators, cruise and hotel sectors are already racing along the path to carbon neutral practises.

What is unknown is how quickly the majority of consumers and individuals will engage on a level that will exacerbate behavioural change and help the world achieve carbon neutral more quickly.

Destinations are gearing up to meet their commitments and over the coming months, ANTOR members will be sharing their sustainable credentials with answers ready for those who ask how they can travel more sustainably.

It is encouraging that the industry is signalling a continued upward trajectory in sales with strong spring and summer seasons. The combination of increased consumer resilience and assessment of personal risk is seeing lockdown hesitancy shaken off with a more positive resolve.

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SUDOKU

Win a £20 M&S voucher in the Sudoku prize puzzle A Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:

B

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk

C

Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 27th. Solution and new puzzle will appear in the next issue.

The winner for December 17th is Mike Richardson from Villair Travel.

D

December 17th Solution: A=8 B=6 C=7 D=3

?

I M A E WHER

A capital city and the largest city on the Eastern Adriatic, known for its ancient centre, aesthetic architecture and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. The city is also famous for vibrant nightlife and a bustling beach culture.

Across

Down

1

1

4 6 7 8 9 10 13 15 16 17 18 20 21

Yorkshire based operator specialising in escorted coach tours (5) Capital of Menorca (5) International airport code for 3 Down (3) Radio station, sounds like a vital organ (5) Flows through Chester (3) Singer who numbers her albums by her age when she wrote them (5) Europe's largest active volcano (4) Currency of China (4) Family friendly P&O cruise ship (5) Helsinki Vantaa international airport code (3) Capital of Ghana (5) Text slang initially, indicating amusement or endearment (3) Major car rental company (5) State capital of Oregon (5)

2 3 4 5 11 12 14 16 19

They achieved a fourth consecutive Christmas No 1 with Sausage Rolls for Everyone (7) UK train company, initially (3) Largest of the Dodecanese islands (6) Seychelles capital Victoria, is on this island (4) Major hotels and resorts company (5) Home to Disneyland Resort (7) Texas city (6) French multinational hospitality company (5) Scenic mountain region in Germany (4) Liverpool international airport code (3)

Mystery Word: GREECE

Where am I? - Split, Croatia

Down: 1 LADBABY, 2 GWR, 3 RHODES, 4 MAHE, 5 HYATT, 11 ANAHEIM, 12 DALLAS, 14 ACCOR, 16 HARZ, 19 LPL. Across: 1 LEGER, 4 MAHON, 6 RHO, 7 HEART, 8 DEE, 9 ADELE, 10 ETNA, 13 YUAN, 15 AZURA, 16 HEL, 17 ACCRA, 18 LOL, 20 HERTZ, 21 SALEM.

CROSSWORD

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

9

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NEWS BULLETIN

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

FOLLOWING TWO years of extensive restoration, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen the Trans Bhutan Trail in March 2022 for the first time in 60 years.

G Adventures has partnered with the Bhutan Canada Foundation as the first group adventure operator to offer trips to the unique natural haven when the trail launches to the public.

The itineraries are as follows: ‘Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail’: an 11-day tour covering the best portions of the 403 km trail. Travellers will experience landscapes and villages from a different era. Featuring camping spots and overnights in local homestays, this tour provides a glimpse into

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

G Adventures to run trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail

The ancient Trans Bhutan Trail will open for the first time in 60 years.

Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life. This 11-day return trip from Paro is priced from £2,349 per person for departures from May 15, 2022.

‘Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail’: guests will explore the country while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and

traders for years. This 12day tour, travel and trek along the trail venture from east to west, hiking high mountain passes. Travelling from Paro, prices start from £3,299 per person for departures from May 1, 2022.

Ambassador Cruise Line launches New Year Saver Fares AMBASSADOR CRUISE Line has launched its ‘New Year Saver Fares’, which is available until 8pm on March 1, 2022.

Sailings include spring in the Fjords, exploring the Baltics, and summer in Iceland and Greenland.

Sailing from London Tilbury, the no-fly itineraries provide cruise experiences that are predominantly aimed at the 50plus traveller.

Guests who book a New Year Saver Fare package before January 31, 2022 can get 20% off the Ambassador Explorer Drinks Package, from £21.57 per person, per day. This package includes gratuities and service charges, non-alcoholic beverages and a 50% discount on premium beverages from the bar.

www.gadventures.com

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS is offering tickets to a selection of AEG Presents concerts around the country.

Enabling the operator to grow its portfolio of coach breaks to see leading artists and bands perform live, National Holidays now has access to tickets to a selection of promoter AEG Presents’ concerts throughout 2022. Packages have recently gone on sale through the operator’s ‘Showtime’ coach break programme for a range of high-profile artists including Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, Olly Murs and Lionel Richie.

New coach break package examples include ‘An evening with Michael Bublé & Beautiful Buxton’ from £199 per person, a two-day coach break departing on July 9, 2022. The package includes return coach travel from selected pick up points in the northeast and Yorkshire, one night’s bed-andbreakfast accommodation and a ticket to the concert at The Incora Country Ground Derby, plus an excursion to Buxton. www.nationalholidays.com/agents www.nationalholidays.com

Image Credit:Ambassador Cruise

National Holidays partners with AEG Presents for 2022

Saving up to £750 per person, guests can book a guaranteed inside cabin (categories 1-4) or an outside cabin (categories 6C-8) as standard. www.ambassadorcruiseline.com

Image Credit:Corsica Places

Corsican Places secures new Corsica charter for summer CORSICAN PLACES has secured its own flight charter to Corsica for summer 2022.

From May 15, 2022, the tour operator will operate weekly Sunday flights between London Stansted and Calvi, with morning departure slots.

New property additions have also been added to the tour operator’s accommodation collection, featuring various villas, apartments, residences and hotels. Holiday packages are available from £529 per person, including flights and transfers. www.corsica.co.uk

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Image Credit: CTO

CARIBBEAN

Carol Hay, business development director, Caribbean Tourism Organisation, highlights five top tips to give agents a helping hand when selling Caribbean holidays to clients.

WITH BORDERS opening up, and flights and cruise ships returning to the skies and seas, the Caribbean is poised for a vibrant comeback in 2022.

So, what is the best way for agents to prepare their clients for their next trip to the Caribbean – keep informed!

Here are five key aspects to highlight when selling the Caribbean: Accommodation Though typically known for large all-inclusives, the Caribbean has a much wider selection of accommodation. With a notable increase in multigenerational travel, agents are encouraged to learn more about villas and apartments in the Caribbean, so we urge you to discover what’s available through the tourist board websites. Check out villas in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia. The Caribbean has also seen some new boutique hotels along with those long recognised for their ambience.

Adventure Encourage your clients to get out and explore the Caribbean!

The opportunities to walk, hike, cycle, sail, dive and snorkel are endless. There are amazing waterfalls to climb, mineral pools and mud baths to indulge in or bioluminescent lakes to kayak through. There are over 700 species of birds and an abundance of flower and fauna. Visitors can find their own spot by the beach, river or waterfall and experience the tranquility of relaxation with nothing but the birds and a cool Caribbean breeze around. For more on adventure visit Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, Belize, Dominica, Martinique, and Tobago.

Culture and heritage The best way to truly understand a place and its people is to learn about and experience culture and heritage. There are libraries, museums, galleries, theatres, rum distilleries, great houses and forts waiting to be explored. A visit to the local market is a must; learn about the tropical fruits, herbs, spices and local beverages!

There are skilled craftspeople in every resort, and they are able to create unique pieces from local products. Some of the events scheduled to return in 2022 include BVI Spring Regatta, Cayman Cookout, Grenada’s Chocolate Festival, St. Lucia Jazz Festival, St Patricks Festival Montserrat and Trinidad Carnival.

Weddings and honeymoons There is no shortage of unique wedding venues in the Caribbean, whether it is an intimate wedding for two with local witnesses or a full-blown event with hundreds of guests. The laws do vary across the Caribbean, so it is best to keep informed about individual destinations. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Tobago can certainly provide lots of extras to ensure a perfect day!

Sustainability Right across the Caribbean there are programmes in place to ensure that we reduce the impact of climate change, preserve the coastlines and marine life; maintain access to clean water; and reduce the use of single use plastic. We encourage agents to learn about as many of these programmes as possible and use this knowledge to guide their clients in selecting their next Caribbean experience.

Visit www.caribbean.co.uk for further information.

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CARIBBEAN

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Half Moon haven: serenity in the Caribbean Sea

Image Credit: Half Moon

ECLIPSE AT Half-Moon, sitting among the rolling hills of Montego Bay and the Caribbean Sea, is now open for bookings.

The new property, an addition to Jamaica's Half Moon hotel, features 57 accommodation options along a private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.

Virgin Atlantic offers seven nights at Eclipse at Half Moon from £3,149 per person, based on a couple sharing an Eclipse Ocean Room on a roomonly basis with return flights from London Heathrow, in February. www.halfmoon.com

ALL IN FOR OCEAN EDEN BAY

Stay & Gaze: see the stars of St Lucia at The Landings

H10 Hotels has welcomed a new property at Coral Spring, with modern facilities and indulgent accommodation choices. amenities available at the nearby Ocean Coral Spring Resort.

TUI offers seven nights at The Ocean Eden Bay in a Junior Suite with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace on an all-inclusive basis from £1,699 per person, including return flights from London to Montego Bay. Based on February departures. www.tui.co.uk/destinations/jamaica

Image Credit: Landings St Lucia

Image Credit: H10 Hotels

LOCATED NEAR Montego Bay, this new deluxe resort for adults only, will provide guests with another luxury option in Jamaica.

The resort will have access to a beautiful sand beach and will feature a Despacio Spa, large swimming pool with bar access and a complete entertainment programme, including an exclusive dinner-show restaurant.

Guests will also have full access to the

THE LANDINGS Resort & Spa, a luxury favourite of the classic Caribbean hotspot, has partnered with the Saint Lucia National Astronomy Association for a 'Stay & Gaze' experience.

Resort guests will enjoy an expert-guided tour of the night sky with an expert from the Astronomy Association after setting out from the resort's marina on a private boat charter equipped with a telescope.

Along the way, guests can wrap themselves in cosy blankets and enjoy a picnic prepared by the resort's kitchen staff.

Rates start from $837 per night, per suite (approximately £618).

The price is based on double occupancy and includes a onebedroom suite, complimentary daily breakfast, private boat charter with telescope, picnic and blankets, and a session led by an astronomy advisor.

This package is commissionable at 10% to travel agents and bookable via the unique code: ‘STARGAZING’. www.landingsstlucia.com

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

CASA DE CAMPO Image Credit: Casa de Campo

The Dominican Republic's luxury Casa de Campo resort has broken ground on a US$90 million project enhancing the resort's rooms and facilities.

CASA DE Campo, in the Dominican Republic, has kickstarted a new refresh of 64 of its rooms, along with a host of enhancements to amenities and facilities across the property.

64 Junior and Presidential suites will be equipped with the latest technology and luxurious amenities, and span four new twostorey buildings, sure to offer expansive views of the nearby golf course.

A state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre will offer tranquil views and treatments over the resort's central lake, and will be home to a hydrotherapy area, cabins for specialised

Inspiring Travel Company goes all in for Anguilla THE ISLAND of Anguilla, with its hosts of beaches, year-round hot temperatures and warm welcomes, is sure to be top of winter sun bucket lists this year.

Inspiring Travel Company offers an ideal solution for those clients craving the Caribbean sun – package options to the Zemi Beach House.

Nestled on six oceanfront acres on the tranquil Shoal Bay East, the luxury resort is home to three outdoor pools, two restaurants, two bars, and a feature spa, home to treatments inspired by the ancient healing traditions of the island's native Taino people.

Guests’ little ones are sure to be entertained by the activities at the Zemi Beach Kids' Club.

Inspiring Travel Company offers a seven-night stay from £3,635 per person, based on two adults sharing a Garden View Room with

treatments, relaxation areas, a café and juice bar, and a bridal suite.

The new facilities are expected to open in time for the start of the winter 2022 season.

The opening will come just in time to celebrate the resort's 50th anniversary in 2022, with new openings including a conference centre in 2019 and a new family pool area, beach club, restaurants and golf school in 2018 all building up to the landmark birthday for the property.

daily breakfast and return flights with BA from London Gatwick, based on travel dates between January 4 and April 26, 2022.

www.casadecampo.com.do

www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

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Image Credit: Nevis Tourism Authority

Nevis welcomes Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park THE CARIBBEAN island of Nevis has celebrated the opening of a new lifestyle attraction, the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park.

Located on the western side of the island at Pinney’s Beach, the eightacre park is the second development to open within the 11.5-acre lifestyle space, the first development being a shopping and dining complex.

The £2.9 million project offers a lifestyle space where visitors come together to enjoy the various amenities, including an amphitheater, LED light splashpad and snake trail boardwalk. www.nevisisland.com

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

The best of Grenada and Saint Lucia with Audley Travel

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Rosewood Baha Mar with British Airways

Guests will spend a total of seven nights in both Grenada and St Lucia.

AUDLEY TRAVEL is offering its ‘Highlights of Grenada & Saint Lucia’ holiday for those looking to visit two islands while in the Caribbean.

Highlights from Grenada include learning about the vibrant spice history of Grenada; exploring the island’s quiet northern territory; and hiking in Grand Etang National Park. Highlights from the St Lucia part of the

holiday include traversing the rainforest surrounding the prestigious Piton Mountains. While here, guests can also enjoy the bars and restaurants in Rodney Bay Marina, including a barbeque on the beach.

The 15-day holiday is priced from £4,995. www.audleytravel.com

BRITISH AIRWAYS Holidays is offering a seven-night holiday package at the five-star Rosewood Baha Mar resort on Bahamas’ Cable Beach.

Guests will enjoy fine dining, spa treatments and unlimited access to the neighbouring Baha Bay waterpark.

Located in Nassau, the hotel is five miles from Parliament Square, Straw Market and Queen’s Staircase.

Guests can upgrade to a penthouse suite for additional space and for views of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Prices start from £2,989 per person, travelling on selected dates between June 1 to 30, 2022. www.britishairways.com

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JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

JAMAICA’S HOT LIST Image Credit: Adobe Stock

The Caribbean island is looking forward to welcoming a number of events and openings in 2022.

THE JAMAICA Tourist Board is sharing a number of exciting updates that visitors can enjoy, from the destination’s 60th anniversary of Independence, to increased flight routes and new accommodation options.

Montego Bay, will allow even more visitors the opportunity to experience the island. There will also be the addition of the new direct Virgin Atlantic flight from Manchester to Montego Bay, due to launch in November 2022.

60th Anniversary and Year of Culture 2022 will be a big year for Jamaica as it marks the 60th anniversary of Independence. The anniversary will be marked with a Year of Culture which will see celebrations held across the island. Typically, on August 6, the country’s Independence Day, a ‘Jamaica Festival’ takes place at the National Arena in Kingston, where local musicians, dancers and other performers showcase the best of Jamaican culture in a Grand Gala.

Hotel updates The GoldenEye resort has a new addition – a three bedroom villa situated on the lagoon.

Following the success of the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, some of which was filmed in Jamaica, guests can also visit the Fleming Villa, home of Bond author Ian Fleming. Caribtours offers seven nights at GoldenEye from £1,979 per person. This is based on two people sharing a One Bedroom Beach Hut on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes return flights, private transfers and access to a UK airport lounge. This package is based on February departures.

Increased air services Increased air services this winter, including British Airways’ direct flight from London to Montego Bay, and Virgin Atlantic increasing the number of flights from London Heathrow to

www.caribtours.co.uk/regions/caribbeanmexico/jamaica/goldeneye/

Book a tropical escape with Sandals SANDALS RESORTS is offering tropical Caribbean escapes for 2022, 2023 or 2024 across its resorts in the Bahamas and Curaçao.

A seven-night stay for two people at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, in Nassau, the Bahamas, staying in an East Bay Premium room ,costs from £1,959 per person. The price includes Luxury Included (allinclusive) accommodation, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. This is valid for travel on selected dates departing between September 124, 2022.

A seven-night stay for two people at Sandals Royal Curaçao staying in a Subi Premium Room costs from £2,555 per person. The price includes Luxury Included (allinclusive) accommodation, return economy class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London

Image Credit: Sandals Resorts

CARIBBEAN

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Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. This price is valid for travel on selected dates departing between September 1-24, 2023. www.sandals.com

Image Credit:

Caribbean cool with Celebrity Cruises CELEBRITY CRUISES' Celebrity Constellation ship will be embarking on an Eastern Caribbean cruise on December 23, 2022 for a total of 10 nights.

The cruise will depart and return from Tampa, and will call at a total of five ports: Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Kitts & Nevis, St Thomas, and Dominican Republic.

The ship comes complete with a gym, onboard entertainment, childrens' clubs, enriching lectures, and a host of bars and restaurants for guests to enjoy.

The cruise is currently priced from £1,690 per person for an inside cabin. www.cruise.co.uk

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Image Credit:Adobe Stock

SPAIN AND ITS ISLANDS

James Villas has expanded with hundreds of new properties available to rent across Mallorca.

Pollença, as well as hidden gems like Valledemossa, Arta, Capdepera and Felanitx.

The island's average temperature hits a mild 21.8°C, making it an ideal hotspot for winter sun breaks, last-minute escapes or summer holidays when the weather hits the high twenties between June and September.

Offerings include ultramodern contemporary villas in Palma which offer a taste of Mediterranean luxury, or rustic fincas in Felanitx that immerse guests in surroundings and offer a truly Mallorcan experience.

Prices start from £175 per person for a seven-night stay, based on a villa-only price. www.jamesvillas.co.uk Image Credit: James Villa Holidays

VILLA HOLIDAY provider James Villas has announced the largest expansion in its history, with hundreds of new properties joining its Mallorcan portfolio.

Almost three hundred properties are live and bookable, with plans in place to double the slate in the coming weeks.

New properties span popular island spots such as

A whole host of villas are joining James Villas’ Mallorcan slate.

ISLAND SPECIALIST Olympic Holidays is adding a host of new Spain properties and experiences to its offerings for 2022.

Following the success of its Greek island-hopper experiences in 2021, the operator has expanded with a twin-Canaries break.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

MORE IN MALLORCA

Olympic Holidays brings in the new for 2022

Twinning Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, two islands linked by dramatic volcanic landscape, make for an island-hopping adventure.

Guests can experience both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura as part of the latest packaged offering.

The seven-night island hop starts from £735 per person, including flights from London Gatwick, three nights at the Hotel Club Sirocco on a bed-andbreakfast basis and four nights at Villa Florida on a self-catering basis, with transfers. www.olympicholidays.com

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SPAIN AND ITS ISLANDS

JANUARY 14 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Spain’s paradors with Just Go!

Image Credit: Abode stock

JUST GO! Holidays' ‘The Historic Paradors of Classical Spain’ tour offers the chance to stay in unique hotels, located in converted historic buildings such as a convent or castle.

The tour also includes visits to everything from stunning walled cities laden with watchtowers and turrets to hilltop fortresses and castles that inspired Walt Disney.

The seven-day tour, departing October 12, 2022, is priced from £1,049 per person. The price includes return flights from Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow or Manchester, six nights’ parador accommodation with breakfast, two dinners at local restaurants and the excursions mentioned. This tour is escorted by a tour manager in Spain. The price is based on two sharing.

Foodie fun in San Sebastian

www.justgoholidays.com/agents Image credit: Just Go! Holidays

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THOSE LOOKING to explore the gastronomy of the Basque region of Spain will enjoy ToursByLocals’ ‘San Sebastian Special Tour’ food workshop.

Clients will be able to visit a traditional gastronomy club in San Sebastian, where the only way to visit is to be invited by a member, who is tour guide Iker B. Experiences include a walk along the Old Town in the morning; buying seasonal products in the local market gathering with local people; and a cooking class, with ‘txakoli’ white local wine, Rioja red wine or local cider.

The four-hour tour is priced from £370 for two people, but can be customised to accommodate up to eight people in total. www.toursbylocals.com

What is something new you want to try in 2022?

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